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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Commencement

Guest Information

114th Annual Commencement Exercises
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Stan Sheriff Center

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Attending the Ceremony

Tickets will not be issued and the ceremonies are open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. However, as a courtesy, graduates are encouraged to limit their guests to five (5) individuals in the Stan Sheriff Center arena.

Entering the Stan Sheriff Center Arena

The doors at Gates A & B will open to the public at 7:45 a.m. for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and at 2:15 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. ceremony. We strongly recommend that guests arrive when doors open, as the doors to the Stan Sheriff Center will be closed when the arena reaches maximum capacity. Once the arena reaches capacity, guests will be directed to Les Murakami Stadium to watch a live web cast of the ceremony.

Elevators are available both in the parking structure and in the athletic complex. If you are using the parking structure elevators, go to the third floor. If you are using the athletics complex elevators, go to the second floor. Seating for guests with mobility needs is available on the mezzanine level of the arena along the main concourse, which is the same level as the Gate A & B entrances.

Stan Sheriff Center Arena Regulations

Balloons, large signs on posts, confetti, and strollers are not allowed into the arena for safety and security reasons. The clear bag policy does not apply to UH Mānoa commencement exercises.

Please be advised that only graduates will be allowed on the arena floor. All guests will be restricted to the general seating areas.

Photography and Videography

The audience may take photographs and videos from their seats. A photographer will take individual photographs of students as they are recognized on stage. After commencement, the graduate will receive an e-mail from the photographer with a link to view their proof online.

Commencement Programs

Graduates will receive a full printed commencement program (includes the list of graduates) at their seats during the ceremony. Guests will receive an abbreviated copy upon entering the arena. To request a full printed program (hard copy or digital), email uhm.commencement@hawaii.edu.

Large-type programs are also available upon request (see an usher for assistance). An electronic copy of the program will be posted on the commencement home page closer to the date of the ceremony.

Meeting the Graduates After the Ceremony

Meet your graduate by the appropriate alphabetical sign (corresponding to the first letter of their last name) on the athletic fields:

  • A–K: Clarence T. C. Ching Complex
  • L–Z: Les Murakami Stadium

Maps will be available in the commencement program.

While giving lei is a Hawaiʻi tradition, we ask that you support our campus’ waste reduction efforts towards a zero-waste future by taking the following actions before you arrive on-campus:

  • Leave the plastic clamshell containers at home.
  • Carry your lei and makana (gifts) in reusable bags.
  • Make lei from plants growing in your garden instead of purchasing them from the store.

To preserve our newly renovated athletic fields, potentially damaging shoes (i.e., stiletto heels, metal cleats, etc.), streamers, and confetti are prohibited.

Everyone will be asked to clear the fields at 12:30 p.m. for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony and 7:00 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.

Lei Vendors

Several authorized vendors selling lei and other items will be present on the Clarence T.C. Ching field during the commencement ceremonies.

Live Webcast of Ceremony

The webcast will air live during the ceremony and will be available for viewing for several months thereafter. Please visit the webcast page.

Wheelchairs

The University does not provide wheelchairs for the commencement ceremonies. Guests who require a wheelchair are encouraged to make arrangements in advance.

The following wheelchair and scooter rental companies may be of service to you:

  • Hawaiian Islands Medical Corp. (808) 597-8087
  • Better Home Appliances, Inc. (808) 737-3055
  • Hawaii Wheelchair Rental (808) 772-9723

Questions? Please email uhm.commencement@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-GRAD.